THE UNION flags were waving and the crowds cheering in Spreyton on Sunday as villagers gave a hero's welcome to Wendy Sincock on her return from the World Transplant Games in Japan.
'It was like the Silver Jubilee all over again,' said the delighted Wendy, who brought home three silver and two bronze medals in an event which saw the British team at the top of the medal table by the end of the seven days of competition.
Unbeknown to the 42-year-old, who received a kidney transplant three years ago, her friends in Spreyton had arranged a big surprise which started from her arrival at Heathrow and ended at 2am the next morning.
'With the flight and everything, I was up for 29 hours but it didn't matter — I was just buzzing and I was treated like a celebrity,' she said. 'They even got my mum here from Wolverhampton.'
It was a party fit for a queen but as all Spreyton's residents would agree, no-one deserved it more than Wendy.
Diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 1998, Wendy's only hope of survival was a kidney transplant. She could barely walk up the street without assistance and even talking on the telephone was a major effort.
'I starred death in the face but after receiving a transplant in the autumn of that year everything changed — it really was a case of life beginning at 40 for me,' she said.
As her own health began to improve she made a pact to help others and raising awareness of organ donation and raising funds for charity became two very important factors in her life.
Wendy was selected as a member of the 83-strong British Team after her achievements two years running in the British Transplant Games.
Spreyton resident and friend Margaret 'Squibby' Grimley said: 'Wendy does so much for the village and she is such a great person that we wanted to do something special for her.
'It is just such an achievement — I know the training has been quite a struggle at times for Wendy but she was so determined to get there.'
The competitor, who won three medals in the swimming events and two in the running, was greeted by banners and flags waving as she arrived back in Spreyton.
Villagers lined the streets and a big party, cake and all the trimmings were laid on in the local pub.
'It was such a surprise — I was just thinking about a nice cup of tea and a hot bath and then everyone jumped out cheering,' she said. 'There were red, white and blue balloons everywhere.
'Being in Japan and taking part in the games was a fantastic experience and coming home to this reception was the icing on the cake.'
The World Transplant Games, which this year involved 55 countries and over 1,000 competitors, is held to raise awareness of organ transplants.
Japan was chosen to host the event this time around because it is a country where organ transplants are not common.
Wendy said highlights of her trip included being given a present by a young Japanese child, the friendliness and kindness of the Japanese people and all the competitors holding hands at the games' closing ceremony.
'There were a lot of tears because it was such an emotional week,' said Wendy. 'I have always said I am a walking miracle but when you spend time with other transplantees you realise even more how lucky you are to be given the gift of life.'
The achievements at the games are particularly apt as the pioneer of transplantation Dr Christiann Neethling Barnard, who performed the first heart transplant 34 years ago, died this week.